Doctors must warn women HRT treatment for menopause increases risk of cancer

DOCTORS must warn women of the cancer risks of taking HRT for menopause symptoms, health chiefs have said.

But the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence said hormone replacement therapy should still be offered widely.

Research suggests the medication can slightly raise the danger of breast, womb and ovarian cancers, as well as dementia.

Nice has now issued the first “discussion aid” to help GPs and patients discuss any perils.

Chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Benger said: “We don’t routinely produce patient decision support tools but have on this occasion because of the complexity and because of the risks.

“What we’ve tried to do is show in a way that will be readily understood what the risks of key conditions are with and without HRT.

“Being able to have an informed conversation is very important.”

The Sun has spent years calling for greater support for women with our Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign.

HRT is prescribed to tackle hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and sleep problems.

Nice ruled: “While there are some increased risks associated with HRT, it is unlikely to decrease overall life expectancy.”

Though there are cancer risks linked to HRT, GP Dr Philippa Kaye explains that these are relatively low for women - though they must be explained to them by a GP.

She previously wrote for Sun Health: "Many women have feared HRT due to studies earlier this decade that seemed to show it increased the risk of heart attacks, breast cancer and stroke.

"However, the women in these studies used an older version of oral HRT that we don’t use now, and they started HRT aged 63 years, on average.

"This is more than a decade after the average age of menopause.

"Research since then has shown that starting HRT within the first ten years doesn’t seem to have the same risks.

"So let’s be clear: For the majority of women who can take HRT, starting within the first decade after menopause, is safe.

"The change in risk of a stroke or heart attack depends on how and when you start taking HRT.

"There is a small increased risk of breast cancer with HRT, but this is approximately the same rise as that related to smoking and drinking alcohol, and you can decrease your risk by trying to maintain a healthy weight and exercising regularly."

The NHS says there are around five extra cases of breast cancer in every 1,000 women who take combined HRT for five years.

It says the risk increases the longer you take it, and the older you are, adding that those who have had breast cancer will usually be advised against HRT.

Dr Kaye added: "Other benefits of HRT should not be underestimated!

"These include a decreased chance of osteoporosis, muscle loss, bowel cancer and more.

"With the help of your doctor, you will weigh up the generally small risks and compare them to benefits on a case-by-case basis."